Highlights from 2019 include:
- after upgrading to better accessibility and refinishing the log walls in Cabins 1 & 2, we installed new roof shingles on all four cabins and on the main building
- accessible fire pit completed and many wieners were burned
- 4,000 pounds of vegetables from our gardens were donated to food banks in the area
- apple and cherry trees produced their first harvest (albeit small)
- new fences keep larger mammals out of orchard and gardens
- visitors included the Connect Society (for the hearing impaired), seniors from Edmonton, Warburg Cloverleaf Manor, and two groups of alumni from the University of Guelph in Ontario
- a great grey owl took up residence near the lodge and we had visits from four wolves, and many elk, moose, deer, coyotes, and beaver
- Christmas bird count listed 138 birds from 14 species
- a significant donation increased our Disability Travel Fund, held at the Edmonton Community Foundation
- casino fund-raiser supported our accessibility renovations
- a major donation of heavy equipment assists in managing the property
Plans for 2020:
- we will celebrate our 5th Anniversary of ownership of the lodge on October 13, 2020
- in the process of listing the lodge as a “birding hotspot”
- building more bird nest boxes, feeding stations and bat boxes
- shelters for hikers and wildlife blinds for photographers on the trails
- an expanded slate of events for seniors and persons with disabilities
- as funds become available, we will convert the former recreation centre into a reception centre, upgrade equipment storage sheds, and upgrade the campground
